Expect signal in towns and lower villages, patchy coverage higher up, and none in some valleys. A local SIM is often better than roaming, teahouse wifi is slow and usually paid, and charging costs extra and rises with altitude. Carry a power bank, keep your phone warm and tell family to expect gaps.
What to expect from signal by region
Coverage depends on the valley, the operator and the weather, so treat any promise of full signal with caution. In general, towns and lower villages on the popular routes have a signal, and it fades as the trail climbs or enters a narrow gorge. On the Everest and Annapurna routes you will find stretches with a usable connection, especially at higher viewpoints and villages with towers nearby.
Remote regions such as Manaslu, Upper Mustang and the far west often have long gaps with nothing at all. Coverage also changes from year to year as towers are added or damaged. Ask us what your route is like in the current season, and plan on being out of reach for periods of a day or more.
Local SIM or roaming
A local SIM bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara often gives better data and lower cost than roaming, and calling home through a messaging app is simple on it. Buying one usually needs your passport, a passport-size photograph and a short registration. The shop can set it up for you, so do it on your first day rather than at the airport.
If you prefer to keep your own number, ask your home operator about roaming in Nepal, including daily charges and data caps, before you leave. Indian travellers should check their operator's current plan, since arrangements differ. Whichever you choose, download maps, tickets and documents before you leave the city, so you are not relying on mobile data when you need them.
Teahouse wifi
Many lodges advertise wifi, but it is typically slow, shared among all guests, and may need a paid code or voucher. It can fail during bad weather or when the power is off. The charge generally goes up with altitude, and some places limit it to certain hours.
Use wifi for short messages and avoid video calls or large uploads. Messages and photos often go through at odd times, such as early morning when fewer people are online. Do not plan on working remotely from the trail. It is better to tell your office and family beforehand that you will be reachable only now and then. A satellite device is something your guide may carry for emergencies, and ask us about it for remote routes.
Charging your devices
Lodges charge for phone and camera charging, usually per device or per hour, and the price rises as you go higher. Sockets are often in the dining room, and everyone competes for them in the evening. Cold also reduces battery life, and electricity in the high villages comes from small hydro or solar systems that struggle in cloudy weather.
Bring your own plug adapter and a short cable. In Nepal you may meet several socket types, so a universal adapter helps. Switch your phone to airplane mode when you do not need signal, because searching for a network uses a lot of power. Keep devices in an inner pocket by day and in your sleeping bag at night. Carry enough battery for the whole trek, not only for one day.
Power banks and solar charging
A good power bank is the most useful item in this list. For a trek of about ten days, one large bank usually covers a phone for several charges, while a group with cameras and drones may need more. Capacity is printed on the bank, so choose one that suits your devices and check airline rules for carrying it in cabin baggage.
Small folding solar panels can help on sunny days, but they are slow and weather dependent, so they work best as a top up. Charge your bank fully in Kathmandu and again whenever a lodge has spare power. Label your cables and chargers, because lookalikes get mixed up in dining rooms. Coverage varies, and the charging situation changes from season to season.
Common questions
Is there mobile signal on the Everest trek?
There is signal in many villages and at some higher points, but coverage is patchy and varies by operator and weather. Expect gaps and plan to be out of reach for part of each day.
Should I buy a local SIM in Nepal?
A local SIM often gives better data than roaming. You need your passport and a photograph to register. Buy it in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and download what you need before you start trekking.
Is wifi free in Nepal teahouses?
Usually not. Many lodges sell a wifi voucher or add a charge, and it gets slower and more expensive with altitude. Use it for short messages only.
How do I charge my phone on a trek?
Lodges charge a fee per device, and the price rises with height. Bring a power bank, a plug adapter and warm storage for your phone. Solar panels help only on sunny days.
